Are your negative behaviours putting your marriage at risk? Here is some very simple advice that can make a big difference to your relationship.

STOP!

SCORING POINTS. Try not to score points. Try to avoid using generalisations like: “You always…” or “you never…” That’s unfair and just winds each other up.

THINKING THE WORST. Don’t think the worst. Your partner needs you to trust them, so try to stop thinking negatively about actions and motives.

OPTING OUT. Don’t opt out and paper over the cracks. It’s always best to face up to and deal with the issues. Why not be open and honest with each other, but not use that as an excuse to be hurtful or critical of the other.

PUTTING EACH OTHER DOWN. Don’t put your partner down. They don’t want to feel small and hurt and unloved, so avoid making the issue personal. Name calling and character assassination never built a strong relationship.